45 replies to this topic

[TheOriginalCZM]

Earl Clark has played an integral role for the Los Angeles Lakers since becoming the starter last month, and he knows that his value has increased ahead of unrestricted free agency this upcoming offseason.
"Obviously, not playing earlier and averaging those [low] numbers, I didn't know where I would end up," Clark said. "Playing good now and with other teams wanting you, you can pick your own destiny. It feels good to be in the driver's seat."
Still, Clark made it clear that he hopes to re-sign with the Lakers.
"This is my first team that gave me an opportunity. I love the guys here," Clark said. "The organization and the style of play fits me. I really want to stay here."
Clark, 25, is making just $1.2 million this season. He has averaged 10.8 points and 8.5 points since supplanting Pau Gasol as the Lakers' starting power forward.
Via Mike Bresnahan/Los Angeles Times

[flota]

lets try to not over pay this guy

[netlord]

Let's see if he doesn't pull an Ariza on us.

[Japago]

LA just needs to avoid giving out long term contracts to role players. It's almost always hurt them. Making a mistake there hurts you for years.

[Disaster in Paradise]

Find a good middle ground for each other.

Don't go and overpay him, lol.

[Japago]

If they're going to overpay, they should do it over a shorter time frame. It's the long contract length that really hurts the team.

For example, when the Warriors signed Kwame Brown to a 7 mil deal, it was only a one year deal. He ended up not helping them out at all, but it didn't really harm them since his contract wasn't long.

[-Wade-]

"The organization and the style of play fits me. I really want to stay here."

Well, we want you to stay my friend, if you keep up with the consistent energy! Good stuff for sure.

[fozi]

Good payback, but still its mid-season you never know what happens at the end. I'd love him to stay, but to through consistency first ..

[LALakersFan4Life]

Let's see if he doesn't pull an Ariza on us.

He won't I don't think he has a punk of a agent David Lee that Drew and Trev have.

[BasketballIQ]

Didn't overpay Hill and won't overpay Clark.

[Rad]

Good to see Clark has his head screwed on, hopefully FO does sign him to a decent contract.

[Gotrings?]

Lets see how things play out till the end of the season.
The market will dictate how much he is worth.
Will there be a team that will over pay him?
Pull an Ariza?
I just hope he gets equal value.

[jax24]

I know we have his birds rights but how much can we pay him? I really hope we can resign him. I would love it if we amnesty MWP in the off season if we are unable to trade him before the amnesty period which is probable. We could use some of that 7mill on Clark. At this point though a Pau trade now or in the off season could affect things depending on who we get back if he is traded. Either way I would love to have Clark here next season.

Edited by jax24, February 03, 2013 - 10:13 PM.

[bigfetz]

We need to sign this guy to at least a 3 year contract. He's gonna be a legit player.

[last stand 2.0]

i would to if some team finally gave me a shot. give him a jordan hill type deal. 2 years 8 million. i'd love to go into next season with clark, hill, dwight in our front court.

trade pau for a legit perimeter player

[bfc1125roy]

Keep him and J Hill so that Pau can be traded in the offseason if the Lakers don't get rid of him before the deadline.

[CueTheRain]

I'm all for giving Earl a deal, but we should not forget to consider the effect that playing with Kobe, Dwight, Nash, and Pau has on his shot opportunities and looks. Worst case scenario comes and the Lakers are bare-bones, can Earl still put up 15 and 8 as a second or third option? A Jordan Hill type of deal sounds about right to me.

[Saber]

We need him ! We need young players for the future.

[Anautikus]

Ramon said he wanted to stay here also. But anyway, Earl seems like the type of guy who would stay here, with the playing time and plethora of new fans he's gotten in the last 2 months here. I hope he does. A Clark/Hill/Dwight front line sounds amazing.

[manaro90]

gotta keeep him!!!!